Local business owner organizing backpack giveaway for kids

DU QUOIN - City resident Bilal Spiller addressed the City Council Monday and asked that a portion of South Mulberry Street be closed to traffic on Sunday, Aug. 11 in order to make room for a block party for children.

Spiller, who owns the former Wet Spot bar in Du Quoin at 13 S. Mulberry, said his event is to help kids getting ready to go back to school with the distribution of backpacks and supplies. There will also be a food vendor on site, face painting and games.

To help with the cause, Spiller said donations can be mailed to his business at 13 S. Mulberry St. or contact him by phone at 618-579-0099.

Mayor Guy Alongi gave Spiller his blessing and said the city was glad to support his endeavor.

"Anything we can do to help the kids, we're for," Alongi said. "Bilal's not stealing our thunder. What he's doing is completely different from us."

The mayor was referencing the city's Back to School Party on Friday, Aug. 9 at Keyes City Park. On that evening, there will be a car show, food and drinks, a performance from the Tucker Kuhnert Band, magician Chris Egelston, and a big-screen showing of Little Giants.